EBSA-A NEW APPROACH FOR MARINE CONSERVATION IN VIETNAM

Abstract

Nowadays, many countries have succeeded in protecting significant marine ecosystems based on specific biological or ecological areas (EBSA: Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Area). EBSA evaluation criteria include uniqueness or rarity; the habitat of rare and endangered species; high biodiversity, and pristine nature with little human impact. Viet Nam has not yet undertaken any studies using EBSA principles. At present, marine conservation of specific ecosystems in Vietnam is based on geographical zoning to establish marine protected areas. This article introduces how the principles were established, the review process and the criteria for determining EBSA area. It also considers the types of marine protected areas, marine conservation areas, and the current status of marine conservation in Vietnam which may be a valid approach for the application of EBSA principles to suitable marine ecosystems of Viet Nam.